Dec. 5, 2007
EVANSTON, Ill. --The Wildcats face the first of three Big East squads when they host Seton Hall in a 7 p.m. affair on Thursday. The game will be broadcast live by the Big Ten Network. After taking next week off from competition due to finals, the Wildcats travel to Marquette on Dec. 17 before hosting DePaul on Dec. 20.
Northwestern enters the contest against the Pirates looking to rebound from a 73-66 loss in the title game of the Mildred and Roger L. White Invitational this past weekend. The Wildcats defeated Central Michigan, 52-48, in the first game of the tournament before meeting the Eagles in the title tilt on Saturday. Northwestern showed an immense amount of heart in the final minutes against BC, cutting what was an 18 point deficit to six points with just under three minutes remaining.
Scouting the Pirates
Seton Hall enters the showdown against Northwestern with an impressive 5-2 mark on the season. Jadis Rhodin and Ebonie Williams are scoring in double-figures for the Pirates, averaging 10.7 and 10.6 ppg, respectively. Noteisha Womak has had a solid season thus far, nearly averaging a double-double by contributing a team-high 10 rpg and 9.9 ppg. Rhodin is a force to be reckoned with from beyond the arc, hitting 15-of-28 (54 percent) from three-point land. She also leads the team in FG percentage, knocking down 50 percent of her attempts.
The Series Against Seton Hall
Northwestern holds a 3-1 all-time record against the Pirates. The first time these two teams met was back in 1982 when the Wildcats prevailed, 71-61. Seton Hall also appeared on NU's slate in 1987, 1994 and 1996. SHU's only win came in the '94 season when it defeated NU, 75-53 at Welsh-Ryan Arena.This is the first of three-consecutive Big East squads Northwestern will face over the next two weeks. After taking next week off for finals, the Wildcats travel to Marquette on Dec. 17 before hosting DePaul on Dec. 20.
Reed Stepping Up Her Game
Freshman Meshia Reed scored 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including three triples to lead the way for the 'Cats against Wake Forest a week ago. Most recently in the title game of the Mildred and Roger L. White Invitational last Saturday, the Country Club Hills native tallied a career--and game-high 20 points, including 5-of-5 from beyond the arc. Not only did her performance lead to a spot on the All-Tournament team, but it also put her atop the Wildcats' scoring column. Reed is now averaging 10.8 ppg and leads NU from downtown, knocking down an outstanding 10-of-15 from three-point range.
Stutz Named Finalist For Lowe's Senior CLASS Award
Senior captain Sara Stutz was selected as a top 30 finalist for the Lowe's Basketball Senior CLASS Award. The Lowe's Senior Class Award is presented annually to the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete of the Year in eight sports and focuses on the "Four C's" of classroom, character, community and competition.
From the list of 30 nominees, a national media committee will select 10 finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in January 2008. Those ten names will be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote during the NCAA Tournament in March. At that point, fan balloting will be coupled with votes from coaches and media to determine the winner.
Around The League
Northwestern ranks in the upper half of several statistical categories. In the most recent statistics, the Wildcats' defensive tenacity is revealed as they rank first in defensive rebounds (28.33) and field goal percentage defense (.345). NU ranks third in rebounding offense (39.8).
'Cats Ink Three Players
Northwestern women's basketball head coach Beth Combs announced the signing of three players to National Letters of Intent. The 2012 trio includes twin guards Maggie and Allison Mocchi (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Buffalo Grove) and forward Brittany Orban (North Canton, Ohio/Hoover).
For complete game notes, please click on the PDF above.